Maserati GranTurismo in Tenerife: A Driving Review

Handing over the keys to an Italian grand tourer in the Canary Islands always feels like a special occasion. We recently spent a few days finding out exactly what it feels like to pilot the Maserati GranTurismo across the wildly varied landscapes of Tenerife, testing it on everything from smooth coastal highways to ancient forest routes.

This island is a unique testing ground for any vehicle. You have long stretches of tarmac, steep volcanic climbs, and tight village streets all packed into a single day of driving. We wanted to see if a large luxury coupe makes sense here, or if its size becomes a burden when the roads begin to narrow and twist.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Our journey began on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This is where the car feels entirely in its element. The long fast sweepers allow the suspension to settle into a comfortable rhythm, absorbing imperfections in the road surface while keeping the cabin remarkably quiet. You can easily eat up the kilometres between the airport and your hotel while enjoying the refined interior and the effortless power delivery. The steering is direct but not overly heavy, making highway cruising an absolute pleasure.

Things change significantly when you turn off the coast and take the TF-21 climbing to Mount Teide. Driving the Automatic 2.3 L 4-seat variant provides a fascinating experience on this route. As you approach the 2,100 m mark, the air gets noticeably thin and there is a big temperature drop. You can watch the external temperature gauge fall as you climb through the pine forests and into the barren volcanic landscape. The engine handles the altitude well, and the automatic gearbox shifts cleanly to keep you in the right rev range for the steep inclines. The sweeping corners on the lower sections of the mountain are a joy, allowing you to establish a smooth flow.

However, the environment shifts again when you head north. The Anaga forest roads are damp, twisty, and often misty. The microclimate here means the tarmac is frequently covered in a fine layer of moisture. In a powerful rear-wheel-drive car, this requires a healthy amount of respect. The steering feedback is communicative enough to let you know when grip levels are changing, but you definitely have to modulate your throttle inputs carefully coming out of the tighter corners. The atmospheric mist rolling through the trees creates a beautiful backdrop, but it also demands total concentration from the driver.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The GranTurismo shines brightest on open, flowing roads. It is a true grand tourer, designed to cover large distances in comfort and style. The ride quality is excellent, and the cabin is a very pleasant place to spend a few hours. When the road opens up and you can see through the corners, the chassis feels balanced and planted.

Where it does not shine is on the TF-436 into Masca. This road features extremely narrow cliff hairpins and blind corners. Small cars have a massive advantage here. The Maserati is a wide, long vehicle, and navigating these tight switchbacks can be a stressful experience. You will find yourself holding your breath when a local bus or a distracted tourist comes the other way. The turning circle is large, meaning you might have to take a wider line than you would like on the sharpest bends. If your itinerary involves a lot of exploring in remote, mountainous villages with single-lane roads, this car might feel too cumbersome.

Similarly, the resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas present their own set of challenges. These areas are heavily congested, and navigating the tight roundabouts requires patience. The low front splitter is something you constantly have to think about when approaching speed bumps or steep driveway ramps in the tourist centres.

Practical notes

Parking is perhaps the biggest practical hurdle you will face. The tight parking spaces in the southern resorts mean you have to be incredibly careful when opening the long coupe doors. Finding a spot on the street with blue-line meters usually requires driving around the block a few times, as the car simply will not fit into the smaller gaps left by hatchbacks. We highly recommend booking accommodation with a secure, spacious underground garage.

Fuel consumption is another factor to consider. While the TF-1 motorway yields reasonable efficiency, the constant braking and accelerating required on the TF-21 and the Anaga mountain passes will see the fuel gauge drop quickly. There are plenty of petrol stations on the coastal roads, but you should always ensure you have a full tank before heading up into the Teide National Park, as options are very limited at altitude.

Luggage space is surprisingly good for a car of this type. The boot will comfortably hold two medium suitcases and a couple of soft bags, making it perfectly adequate for a 5-7 day trip for two people. While there are four seats, the rear seats are best reserved for children or for extra luggage, as headroom and legroom are restricted for adults on longer journeys.

Verdict

Driving the Maserati GranTurismo in Tenerife is an experience of contrasts. On the right road, it is a magnificent machine that elevates your holiday to something truly memorable. Gliding along the southern coast or sweeping up the wider sections of the mountain roads is a genuine joy. It offers a level of comfort and occasion that few cars can match.

Yet, you must be prepared for the compromises. You have to accept that you will feel anxious on the narrowest cliff roads and frustrated when trying to park in busy resort towns. It is a car that requires you to plan your routes carefully. If you stick to the open roads and avoid the tightest mountain goat tracks, it provides a spectacular way to see the island.

Where to book the Maserati GranTurismo in Tenerife

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